The world grows smaller as technology advances. That all adds up to change in face of worldwide concerns over personal safety. Some fear an Orwellian society over having to much security imposed on their lives through advent of smarter technologies. Investors have been taking a wait-and-see approach as well, perhaps chastened by similar fears of uncertainty. But some industries see those same technology advances as a long-awaited windfall.

Since last month's elections bolstered Republican power in Washington, some security stocks have moved higher and some say its been a long time coming. "It's been a very frustrating year," said Marty Roenigk, chief executive of CompuDyne Corp (NasdaqNM: CDCY), whose Attack Protection unit outfits federal and commercial buildings with blast-resistant windows and doors.

In November, House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation to create a Department of Homeland Security, freeing bill from a dispute over worker protection.

Still, analysts warn that it may be months or years before any benefits of new $37 billion department, which combines 22 existing federal agencies under one roof, are disbursed. Analysts were also quick to point out that in this fragmented industry, different companies will reap gains at different stages of process. Axcess Business News sees both security and government contractors benefiting most.

Two companies that may benefit most are American Science and Engineering, Inc (AMEX: ASE), through sale of its X-ray equipment and Oak Ridge Micro-Energy, Inc (OTCBB: OKRM), which will benefit from sale of disposable luggage tags that track baggage at airports (smart bags).

Analysts also see bulk of federal money going to government contractors like Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE: LMT) and Boeing Co (NYSE: BA). Here again Oak Ridge Micro-Energy, Inc (OTCBB: OKRM) can benefit as their products largest market is with government contractors.

Defense giants typically out source many component requirements to small companies. Airport security products on other hand are supplied for most part by small companies, like ASE and OKRM.

Some on Wall Street speculate that PLINK was developed in response to changes taking place at Bulletin Board's new BBXchange (www.bbxchange.com) which was slated to open in January and is now delayed until end of year as regulators debate its rules and governance.

The BBX is a proposed new marketplace that will eventually take place of OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB). The BBX will appeal to many of same companies that are currently quoted on OTCBB, but will be a higher quality market. These changes, while an advantage to many companies, are also a call to action for Pink Sheets if it is to compete.

When BBX does go into affect many companies will not elect to join, instead they're expected to move to Pink Sheets were reporting requirements are not as strict.

What's prompting those decisions are rules relating to corporate governance that require audit committees and more independent directors. For smaller companies costs associated with complying to those rules are too much to bare. Instead, many will elect to switch to Pink Sheets.

With many companies undecided on switching exchanges, some on Wall Street speculate that Mr. Coulson's move into expanding his services at that time were very coincidental to his desire to gain market share over BBX. Some brokers believe it took opportunity rather than integrity to see Pink Sheets LLC finally offer a means for brokers and shareholders alike to access news and information. Axcess Business News wonders if Mr. Coulson would have been so quick to announce Plink had he known BBX's launch would be delayed.

Cromwell Coulson, Chairman & CEO of Pink Sheets LLC, in a press release issued Oct 16 2002 said, "OTC issuers will now be able to reach their stock holders and interested public with their corporate information and investors will be empowered to make more informed decisions. By improving availability of information, we hope to bolster integrity and growth of OTC markets."

Investor concerns over lack of information about companies that trade in Pink Sheets has been growing for some time and while those latest improvements were well received, to some its not enough. Mr. Ian Park, a college student in Florida who had been swindled in a penny stock scheme was frustrated over lack of concern by regulators - and Mr. Coulson, to improve OTC market's reporting requirements. He formed a grass roots organization he called "Project Penny" and began soliciting Securities and Exchange Commission, NASD and Mr. Coulson to consider adopting more stringent disclosure rules.